Breaking into a Capitol Hill career is rarely straightforward, particularly in today’s highly competitive U.S. government workforce. For Cedarville University 2025 graduate Amelia Elkins, formerly of Fort Wright, Kentucky, the journey required initiative, strategic networking and the willingness to embrace uncertainty on a national stage.
After traveling to Washington, D.C., for a 10-day networking trip in February, Elkins quickly turned opportunity into achievement. Within one week of arriving in the nation’s capital, she secured a position as a staff assistant for the U.S. House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party — the same congressional committee where she previously completed an internship.
“I didn’t have a guaranteed outcome when I came to Washington,” Elkins said. “I just knew I needed to take the next step and trust the process.”
Capitol Hill Career Path Shows Value of Networking and Internships
Her experience highlights the evolving and competitive landscape of Capitol Hill careers, where persistence, professional relationships and timing play a critical role in securing positions in federal government and public policy. What began as a short-term visit to explore career opportunities quickly developed into a full-time role supporting national policy discussions.
Staff Assistant Role Focuses on National Security, Trade and Technology
In her current position, Elkins contributes to the committee’s daily operations, coordinates intern activities and assists with congressional hearings and policy briefings. The committee focuses on U.S. strategy related to global trade, emerging technology and national security — key issues shaping international relations and geopolitical dynamics.
Elkins’ transition from student to congressional staffer reflects a broader trend among recent graduates seeking careers in public service, government affairs and international policy. Her story underscores the importance of experiential learning, internships and proactive career engagement in navigating the pathway to Washington.
Cedarville Graduate Supports U.S. House China Committee Operations
In her current role, Elkins helps keep the committee's operations running smoothly. She coordinates logistics for major events, facilitates communication between congressional offices and supports policy through research and administrative needs.
A significant part of her work also involves managing the committee’s internship program, a responsibility that carries personal meaning because of her own experience.
“I had people who poured into me as an intern,” she said.
Washington, D.C., Internship Leads to Full-Time Capitol Hill Job
After completing a summer 2024 internship with the committee, Elkins returned to Cedarville to finish her senior year. But after graduation, her transition into a public service career did not happen as quickly or as clearly as she had expected. “I thought I had a plan, but it didn’t unfold the way I expected,” Elkins said. “That season really taught me to trust the process and stay faithful in whatever was in front of me.”
In February, Elkins traveled to Washington for 10 days to reconnect with former colleagues, meet with mentors and explore what opportunities might be available.
“I didn’t really know what my goal was,” she said. “I just wanted to be open to whatever opportunities came from those conversations.”
During those meetings, something unexpected happened. Multiple individuals she met with independently encouraged her to consider the committee's staff assistant position.
Within days, those conversations led to a full-time offer.
“There’s no way I could have planned those meetings to line up the way they did,” Elkins said. “Everything just fell into place.”
Cedarville Washington, D.C., Semester Helps Prepare Graduate for Public Service
Elkins said Cedarville helped prepare her for both the professional and personal demands of living and working in Washington.
Through Cedarville’s Washington, D.C., Semester program, she gained firsthand experience in government and built relationships that later opened doors. She also said Cedarville shaped how she thinks about faith, character and the way people treat one another in the workplace.
Looking back, Elkins’ journey from Cedarville to Capitol Hill was shaped less by a carefully mapped plan than by persistence, relationships and a willingness to take the next step.
“I didn’t know how it would all come together,” she said. “But I can look back now and see how each step prepared me for where I am today.”
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.